President Joe Biden’s Final Day in Office: A Visit to South Carolina
A Day of Reflection and Hope
On his last full day as President of the United States, Joe Biden traveled to South Carolina, where he urged Americans to "keep the faith in a better day to come" as he marked the national holiday honoring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.
A Visit to Royal Missionary Baptist Church
Biden attended services at Royal Missionary Baptist Church, a historically black church in North Charleston, where he spoke about the continued fight to make King’s dream of a color-blind nation "a reality." He promised that America "must stay engaged, we must always keep the faith in a better day to come."
A Message of Hope
Biden also spoke about the continued progress towards racial equality, noting that "every time I spend time in a black church I think of one thing: the word ‘hope’." He acknowledged that racial progress has not always been smooth, but emphasized the importance of keeping hope alive.
Gratitude and Praise
Biden thanked South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn for his key endorsement in 2020, which helped pave the way for his victory. Clyburn, who is black, was visibly emotional as he returned the favor, saying "Joe Biden has been what this country needed. People don’t always appreciate it."
A Mixed Reception
Biden’s visit to South Carolina was met with a mostly favorable but slightly mixed reception. While crowds waved at his passing motorcade and held signs saying "Thank You Joe," a small group chanted "Biden is a war criminal," blaming him for the high death toll in the fighting in Gaza.
Mideast Update
Biden spoke briefly about the landmark ceasefire agreement for Gaza, saying "The road to this deal has not been easy at all." He noted that the success of the agreement will depend on the next administration and that Israel’s attacks on militants in southern Lebanon have created an opportunity for a future free from the grip of Hezbollah.
Final Official Act
In one of his final official acts, Biden pardoned Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican-born writer and orator who advocated for a return to Africa. Garvey had been convicted of mail fraud and sentenced to prison, but his sentence was commuted in 1927 by President Calvin Coolidge. Biden’s pardon expunges Garvey’s conviction from the record.
Conclusion
As President Biden’s time in office comes to a close, he has left a lasting impact on American history. His visit to South Carolina is a testament to his commitment to the values of hope and equality that have defined his presidency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the purpose of President Biden’s visit to South Carolina?
A: The visit was to mark the national holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and to urge Americans to "keep the faith in a better day to come."
Q: Who did President Biden thank for his key endorsement in 2020?
A: He thanked South Carolina Representative Jim Clyburn, who is black, for his key endorsement.
Q: What was the outcome of the President’s visit?
A: The visit was met with a mostly favorable but slightly mixed reception, with some people praising his efforts and others criticizing his policies.
Q: What was the significance of the President’s pardon of Marcus Garvey?
A: The pardon expunges Garvey’s conviction from the record and is seen as a symbol of the President’s commitment to fairness and justice.